7 Common Causes of an Itchy Scalp and What To Do About It

When you think about skin problems, you probably picture the skin you can see, like on your face or arms. But you can run into skin issues on your scalp just like any other part of your body. When you have a persistent itchy scalp, a dermatological condition is often to blame. 

That’s where we come in. Here at our Orange Coast Dermatology offices in Rancho Santa Margarita, Orange, and Mission Viejo, California, we can help you figure out what’s going on. Because our team specializes in common itchy scalp causes like psoriasis and eczema, we can also help you find treatment to bring you relief.

In most cases, effectively soothing your scalp starts with identifying the cause of the itch. Here are seven common reasons you might be dealing with an itchy scalp and how to address them.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes areas of problem skin called plaques. These plaques are often raised, flaky, and sensitive. They also tend to itch.

You can develop these plaques on your scalp. In fact, about half of people with psoriasis experience it on their scalp at some point. 

Fortunately, our team has a variety of treatment options we can explore with you. Those range from lifestyle changes to laser therapy. We personalize a treatment plan tailored to you based on how your skin responds.  

Dandruff

Seborrheic dermatitis causes dandruff to develop on your scalp, and this skin condition also often causes the head to itch. 

The itching and flaking are part of your body’s response to an overgrowth of yeast. Medicated shampoos can usually clear up that yeast infection and the resulting symptoms. 

Eczema

The most common form of eczema — atopic dermatitis — can cause an itchy scalp. When you’re having an eczema flare-up, you get patches of red, inflamed, itchy skin. 

Environmental factors like your laundry detergent and exposure to allergens can play a role in eczema, as can your diet and stress levels. Lifestyle changes often help to mitigate and prevent flare-ups. 

We find that our patients generally get the best results when combining those adjustments with targeted treatment, like medication or laser therapy. 

Our team specializes in treating eczema. We partner with you to tailor a treatment plan that soothes your skin and the resulting itch. 

Lice

An infestation of these tiny insects itches — usually fairly badly. Fortunately, over-the-counter shampoos are often effective at getting rid of lice. Just make sure you carefully follow the instructions on the packaging. 

An allergic reaction

An itchy scalp could be a reaction to a hair product you’re using. If you just introduced something new and the itch started shortly after, try forgoing it for a couple of weeks. If the itching stops, that product was probably to blame. 

Scalp ringworm

Scalp ringworm is a type of fungal infection. In addition to itching, it often causes hair to fall out in a circular patch. 

If that sounds familiar, make an appointment to see our team. You need an oral antifungal medication to get rid of the infection. 

Acne

You can break out on your scalp, and it may hurt or itch. 

Washing your scalp regularly — especially after you exercise — should help, as should avoiding tight-fitting, nonbreathable hats. If the pimples persist, see our team of acne specialists. 

Clearly, a lot of causes could be behind your itchy scalp. For help getting to the root of the issue and clearing up that itchiness, call our team at Orange Coast Dermatology or schedule an appointment online today.